Study of Elaeagnus angustifolia Fruit Aqueous Extract on the Histomorphometrical Changes of Retina in Mouse Embryo

Background Modern societies tend to use herbs or traditional medicine because of fewer side effects than synthetic drugs. Elaeagnus angustifolia is a plant with many therapeutic effects. Objectives This study aimed to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia on fetal mice retina in Balb/C by evaluating of histomophometrical and immunohistochemical parameters in the eye mouse embryos Methods In this experimental study, thirty pregnant mice were randomly divided into two groups. Control group received food and drinking water, and the experimental group received food and the aqueous extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg in the form of water solution from the day zero of pregnancy up to the 18th day. Pregnant mice were killed and their fetuses were taken, fixed and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Histomorphometrical and immunohistochemical changes of retin examined. Results The mean of Crown-Rump length and weight of fetuses significantly increased in experimental group compared to control group. In experimental group, a significant decrease was shown in the mean of diameters and weight of placenta compared to control group. Retinal thickness in posterior, superior and inferior part significantly reduced in experimental group compared to control group. however, retinal thickness in anterior part in experimental group was not different when compared to control group. The number of Ki-67-positive cells showed that the retinal cells proliferation in experimental group decreased compared to control group. Conclusions The use of aqueous extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia at dose of 500 mg/kg to pregnant mice caused the growth and histological changes on fetal mouse and in the retinal mouse development.